Color LaserJet 8500 pauses between pages and jobs

[pacmanfan]

I've got a CLJ 8500 that's pausing between every print job, and often between every page within a job. This occurs even for simple jobs like plaintext emails. It says Processing Job until it starts drawing the paper.

This is happening with the CLJ 8500 PCL driver from HP's website, it was only released for Windows 2000; we're using Windows XP. I have tried using the CLJ 8550 driver, which is supported under Windows XP, and it's much faster; the first page comes out fast, there's a pause, and then it'll go in 20-30 page bursts at full speed. I'd just stick with this driver, but there's overlap on certain character combinations, and I consider that unacceptable.

For reference, I'm using a JetDirect 610N on a Gigabit network. Our LJ8000 units have no problem spitting out 24ppm when paired with the right drivers (Universal driver pack), so it's not a network issue.

[MichaelTech]

Initially, I would say the 610 is the problem. Try a firmware upgrade for it.
Same for the formatter. Use WebJet Admin.
New memory added? May be wrong, or bad.

[redcow]

Do like MT says...replace the 610 with a 620 or better. Check the firmware with the other 8500s

[pacmanfan]

Ok, I've tested the memory, and now have 256mb installed. I've installed a Jetdirect 620N, and a "working pull" formatter from eBay. No firmware upgrades are available for either. However, B&W performance is up to nearly 24ppm, with few pauses, and color performance is 1-2ppm (with heavy coverage), so it's good enough.

My main concern at this point is our 3000 sheet stacker/stapler. I didn't have any problems getting it set up, but sometimes when it's powered on it doesn't warm up correctly. At the step before the tray movement, I believe it's moving the stapler head: sometimes it grinds and the light flashes red. If I turn the printer off, then back on, it will then start up fine, going to a solid green light shortly. The problem is, the printer doesn't appear to detect it. HCO is displayed as Not Installed in Web Jetadmin. The funny thing is, whenever I try and print a job with the stapler connected, the printer stalls with the message Processing Job, and the data light stays solid. Any suggestions?

[MichaelTech]

Ah,,,,more info!
Now we know there are other devices that could be the hang-up.
How is this unit plugged in? Directly to a dedicated wall socket, or a UPS?
Power strip? The power module in the staple/stacker could be faulty.
Without this device, does the printer work ok? Replace the power module.

[pacmanfan]

Note that this is a separate issue; Color print speed is still quite slow, but black is very acceptable, at almost 24ppm with few pauses.

The problem with the stacker/stapler occurrs with both the old formatter and the new formatter. Could it really be the stacker's power module, considering that it will power on, complete the self-test, and give a green light? I'd suspect more of an electronics issue... Maybe the passthrough in the 2000 sheet input tray isn't functioning?

[pacmanfan]

I don't know why it took me so long, but I finally thought of just trying it with another printer. I moved the 8500, and put an 8000 in its place. Now the stapler/stacker is working fine! Looks like it's something to do with the 8500. Seeing as I've got a new formatter, is there anything else that may be causing this?

[MichaelTech]

The stacker may be the wrong model for the color unit.
If it works on an 8000 then that's where it belongs

[pacmanfan]

Our stacker/stapler is a C4788A; you're right, spec sheets on a number of websites list 8550 support, but not 8500, which I find puzzling. I haven't been able to determine the difference between an 8500 and an 8550; They look identical, and processor, memory, and print speed capabilities all seem to be identical. Oh well. I don't suppose an 8550 formatter would work in our 8500, would it? If so, would it interface with 8550 accessories? This stinkin' 8500 seems to be the problem stepchild!